Unit 4 Lecture 21 Topic 1

Question 1

Technical Textiles:

Answer 1

Textile materials and products manufactured primarily for their technical and performance properties rather than their aesthetic or decorative characteristics.

Question 2

Pre-20th century, major technical/industrial fibres were:

Answer 2

Cotton, flax, jute, or sisal fibres used for canvas and ropes. They were heavy, had limited water/microbial resistance, and poor flame resistance. Silk was used in parachutes prior to World War II.

Question 3

1920s Viscose Rayon:

Answer 3

Viscose was used as a reinforcement material for tires belts, conveyors and hoses. Only later, was it used for nonwoven materials due to its absorbency.

Question 4

1930s/40s nylon:

Answer 4

Because nylon has high strength, abrasion resistance and resiliency, it was used for ropes, parachutes, and sails.

Question 5

1960s polypropylene (olefin):

Answer 5

Polypropylene became popular and was used for bags, packaging, carpet backings, ropes and netting. Its low melting temperature and wicking properties were used as an advantage in non-wovens.

Question 6

Functional Clothing:

Answer 6

Clothing specifically designed and engineered to ensure predefined performance requirements and functionality for the user.

Question 7

How is technical clothing made in response to hot thermal hazards?

Answer 7

Materials should be insulating and non-flammable, while resisting degradation from high temperatures (eg. doesn’t melt). Some fibres have inherent resistance to heat and flames (eg, aramids) or they may have a flame-resistant finish. Thicker materials tend to insulate more than thinner materials and reflective surfaces may reduce the intensity of the heat.

Question 8

How is technical clothing made in response to cold thermal hazards?

Answer 8

Materials should also be insulating as well as wind resistant. Thicker fabrics which trap air or layers of thinner fabrics must be used. Close-woven barriers prevents air flow.